Van Hollen challenges Schumer for Senate Democratic leader
What's next: Senate Democrats are set to vote in early December, with the winner taking over when the new Congress begins Jan. 4.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is mounting a challenge to New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader after Democrats won back the chamber in the midterm elections. Van Hollen argued the party needs new leadership to match voters' demand for change, making the most serious bid yet against Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017. Schumer countered that he has the votes to remain leader. The contest is exposing tension between the party establishment and progressives as Democrats prepare to control both the Senate and House. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed have backed Van Hollen, while Schumer has retained support from other Democrats, including Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada.